Common Bistort

This common bistort I observed growing in a member’s garden in September. A pretty flower, and not to be dismissed on account of its ‘common’ name. It is the leaves, however, which are the more notable for their being the chief ingredient in West Yorkshire's speciality Dock Pudding, generally consumed around Eastertide, and made with oatmeal, nettles and onion. It does not strike me as a terribly appetising dish, but the 'pudding’ is eaten with bacon, which likely improves its savour. There is even a World Dock Pudding Championship held at Mytholmroyd, so some folk must really enjoy the dish. Quite how many people from across the globe submit offerings is unclear. Dock Pudding possibly bespeaks the poverty of ancient West Yorkshire but also the sobering meaning of Good Friday and Easter - death is defeated, while a richer, better life awaits. I am unwilling to taste, but less make, Dock Pudding; but I will behold the Common Bistort’s flower and see in it the hope of better days.